Zhangjiajie (张家界), formerly known as Dayong, is a prefecture-level city located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, China. The city is renowned for its spectacular natural landscapes, unique landforms, and national parks. With its stunning scenery, Zhangjiajie has become one of the most sought-after travel destinations for 2025/2026, attracting both first-time visitors and those looking to explore the region more deeply.

Zhangjiajie is not the easiest destination to explore, but with detailed planning and preparation, you can ensure a smooth and memorable trip. This comprehensive guide provides essential travel information to help you organize your Zhangjiajie adventure.

Best Attractions to See & Explore in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is most famous for its striking landscape, with towering sandstone pillars and dramatic mountain formations. The region offers several world-famous attractions, including:

Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan National Forest Park

The UNESCO-protected Wulingyuan National Forest Park is the main attraction in Zhangjiajie, known for its over 3,000 quartzite sandstone columns. This surreal landscape inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. Key highlights of this park include Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountain) and the Golden Whip Stream.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

Located over the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, the Glass Bridge is one of the world’s longest and highest glass bridges, offering a thrilling experience and breathtaking views of the canyon below.

Tianmen Mountain

Known for the world’s longest cable car ride and the glass skywalk, Tianmen Mountain is one of Zhangjiajie’s most iconic attractions. The 99 Turns Toward Heaven road and stunning views from the mountain’s summit are must-sees.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Home to the famous Glass Bridge, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon offers an exciting blend of outdoor adventure and natural beauty. Hiking and boat tours are popular ways to explore the canyon.

Yellow Dragon Cave

A vast limestone cave system known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, Yellow Dragon Cave is a popular spot for cave exploration and photography.

This table provides an organized format for the attractions around Zhangjiajie, their locations, distances, highlights, and recommended visiting times.

Your life in Zhangjiajie, whether during the day or at night, will be full of pleasure, excitement, surprises, and thrills. The activities listed below should be part of your must-do bucket list to enhance your experience in Zhangjiajie.

Top Amazing Things to Do in Zhangjiajie

No.1: Hold Your Breath and Walk through Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge over the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Imagine walking 300 meters above the ground, with a transparent glass floor allowing you to see the deep canyon below. It’s an exhilarating experience that will make your feet shake as you gaze at the breathtaking 360-degree view of the canyon from the world’s highest and longest glass bridge. The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is 430 meters long and stands 300 meters above the valley floor.

No.2: Take the World’s Tallest Outdoor Lift – Bailong Elevator to See Avatar Mountains in Real Life

Bailong Elevator, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest outdoor lift, offers the fastest and most convenient way to reach Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. In just 1 minute and 28 seconds, you’ll ascend 326 meters to witness the towering stone columns that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains of Pandora in the movie Avatar.

No.3: Ride the Longest Cableway in the World to Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain offers a range of stunning attractions, including glass bridges, temples, and hiking trails. One of the highlights of visiting Tianmen Mountain is riding the longest passenger cableway in the world, spanning 7,455 meters. The cable car journey offers stunning views of the cityscape, farmland, and national forest park, along with the famous Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate Cave).

No.4: Take a Beautiful Scenic Route through Golden Whip Stream in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

For an exciting hiking experience, explore Golden Whip Stream, a 7-kilometer long stream that runs through the park. Along the trail, you’ll encounter rare trees, wildflowers, and wildlife, including wild monkeys. This scenic route is ideal for photographers and nature lovers and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

No.5: Extend to Fenghuang Ancient Town for a Short Cultural Break

Located about 200 km southwest of Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town is a historical gem with more than 400 years of history. You can enjoy a boat trip along the Tuo River to view the traditional wooden houses along its banks or take a relaxing walk through the ancient streets and lanes. Don’t miss the Yang’s Ancestral Hall and the Former Residence of Shen Congwen.

In addition, Zhangjiajie offers vibrant nightlife options. Take a stroll along Xibu Street or enjoy the Tianmen Fox Fairy Show with the real Tianmen Mountain as a backdrop. For more ideas, check out the Things to Do in Zhangjiajie at Night.

3-day Zhangjiajie travel plans:

(Note: The above travel plans exclude the arrival in Zhangjiajie one day ahead, while the recommended tours include the arrival day.)

This table provides a simple and clear overview of each travel plan’s itinerary, features, and recommended tour packages.

4-day Zhangjiajie travel plans:

(Note: The above travel plans exclude the arrival in Zhangjiajie one day ahead.)

This table helps present the 4-day itineraries with their features and recommended tour options clearly.

Choose the Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie

To select the best time to travel to Zhangjiajie, it’s important to first understand its climate and weather. Located in the middle latitudes, Zhangjiajie experiences four distinct seasons: warm and wet spring, hot and rainy summer, comfortable and dry autumn, and cold with occasional snow in winter. The annual average temperature is around 16°C. The hottest month is July, with temperatures ranging from 26.3°C to 30°C, while January is the coldest, with temperatures between 3.5°C and 4.3°C.

Best Time to Visit: April to October

The ideal time to visit Zhangjiajie is from April to October. During this period, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, and the scenery is particularly stunning. This time frame offers a mix of good weather and vibrant landscapes, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.

Seasonal Guide

Zhangjiajie in Spring

Spring in Zhangjiajie is warm and wet, with flowers in full bloom, making it an excellent time for nature lovers and photographers. The mild temperatures create a comfortable environment for hiking and exploring the parks.

Zhangjiajie in Summer

Summer is hot and rainy, with frequent thunderstorms. While the weather may be challenging, the lush, green landscapes are at their most vibrant. This season is ideal for those who enjoy the dramatic, misty atmosphere in the mountains, but be prepared for rain.

Zhangjiajie in Autumn

Autumn offers comfortable temperatures and dry weather, making it a fantastic time for outdoor exploration. The scenery is equally stunning, with colorful autumn foliage enhancing the natural beauty of the area.

Zhangjiajie in Winter

Winter in Zhangjiajie is cold and occasionally snowy, which can offer a unique and picturesque experience. Fewer tourists visit during this time, so it’s ideal for those looking to avoid crowds and enjoy a serene winter landscape.